Fragment on the Back of the MS. of Canto I

I would to Heaven that I were so much clay,
As I am blood, bone, marrow, passion, feeling⁠—
Because at least the past were passed away,
And for the future⁠—(but I write this reeling,
Having got drunk exceedingly to-day,
So that I seem to stand upon the ceiling)
I say⁠—the future is a serious matter⁠—
And so⁠—for God’s sake⁠—hock and soda-water!